Sri Renganathar Temple, Kajang (Selangor)

On a dewy ethereal dawn in the spiritual Tamil month of Margazhi, an annual festival known as Vaikuntha Ekadasi occurs. Hundreds of unmarried girls march devotionally towards their beloved Sri Renganathar, who is reclined peacefully in a spiritual slumber. The enchanting girls are in attire resembling Goddess Andal, hence their hair is tied in a bun to the side, adorned with jasmine flowers and elaborate jewellery. They have to get past the gatekeeper who is guarding the heavenly 'Vaikuntha' (celestial abode of Lord Vishnu). A discussion ensues, and the essence of Tiruppavai (Tamil hymns by Andal) 16th verse is used as conversation between the gatekeeper and the girls. Upon the conclusion of the holy conversation, the dazzling girls dash into the temple. They carry a heavenly 'thulasi' (holy basil) garland around the temple and enter the sacred 'Swarga Vaasal' (Heaven's Gate). These unmarried girls chant the mantra “AUM NAMO NARAYANAYA". This mantra reverberates with much passion and devotion, filling every nook and cranny of temple with abundant love. The resonating love creates a vibration that harmonises the emotions of the attending devotees, and ultimately pleasing Sri Renganathar. This custom is uniquely inherent in this charming temple, as 'bhakti' (devotion) worship is predominant here. 

This petite yet elegant temple has a wide following of dedicated devotees. It was built in 1964 by JKR (Public Works Department) workers. The workers who were 'Vaishnava' (worship of Lord Vishnu) devotees were looking for a location to initiate the worship of Sri Renganathar, to flourish 'Vaishnava' devotion. They found a suitable location within a small forest, whereby in the middle of a thicket, there were trees that took the shape of a 'naamam' (sign on forehead to represent Vaishnavism). The workers promptly chose this location to build a shrine for Sri Renganathar. A divine picture of Sri Renganathar from India was installed at the shrine, and 'Vaishnavism' bloomed sacredly. 

The temple follows the Pancharatra agamic method of serving Lord Renganathar, and his consort Goddess Renganayagi. The temple has a powerful and dominant Anjeneyar and Garuda at the entrance. The two guardians welcome devotees, and protect the vicinity of the temple. The unique reclining position of Sri Renganathar is representative of the deity at the Sri Rangam temple, Tamil Nadu. Sri Renganathar is seated on Adishesha, a five headed serpent who is the king of serpents. There is an awe-inspiring statue of Narasimha slaying the wicked Hiranyakashipu, which is very distinctive to this temple. Many devotees pray to Narasimha to eradicate the ill-effects of black magic and torment from evil spirits. An effortless plea to Narasimha by lighting a ghee vilakku eradicates many difficulties, whereas some devotees perform a Narasimha homam to obtain an enduring solution.

A magnificent 4 feet Yoga Anjaneyar was installed at the back of the temple in a meditation room. This manifestation of Anjaneyar appeared in a dream to chief priest, Sri Ramanujam. Yoga Anjaneyar has his eyes wide open and his fingers are positioned in 'chin mudra' (type of finger lock for meditation). When the tips of the thumb and the index finger are pressed together, this creates the chin mudra. The nerve root ending of the fingers emit energy continuously. This energy can be transmitted back into the body with the practice of chin mudra. The index finger touching the thumb creates a circuit to channel this energy back up to the brain, and ultimately the pituitary gland. Additionally, the room has a display of colourful pictures of the epic Ramayana. The room is ideal for serene meditation, whereas children can appreciate the divine messages from the epic Ramayana. 

The chief priest of this temple, Sri Ramanuja regularly expounds quotes from the Ramayana and Mahabharatham to temple devotees. Also he involves devotees in temple ceremonies and prayers, and educates them in the importance of devotion and faith. During other spiritual occasions such as Krishna Jayanti, it is very festive at the temple. Male devotees participate in a known as 'uriyadi' whereby they have to break a suspended clay pot using a long stick. Participants are blindfolded making the game very jovial and fascinating. Female devotees participate in a 'kummi' dance performance which is very entertaining. After the games, the chief priest Ramanuja would tell stories about Lord Krishna and his playful antics towards his devotees. Upon concluding the puja, he would then instruct the devotees to chant Lord Krishna’s Mahamantra. After this was done, a fabulous blue icing cake would be served to Lord Krishna as 'naivedya' (food offering to deities). 

An unique aspect of this temple is the consecration of the Nava Hanuman that resembles the Navagraha's (9 celestial bodies). A devotee that circumambulates the 'Nava Hanuman' attains much spiritual solace. Another mystical aspect of this temple is when devotees seeking clarification on a doubt request chief priest Sri Ramanujam to ascertain the facial expression of Sri Renganathar. If Sri Renganathar is frowning, this signifies failure or denying the devotee's request. Whereas if Sri Renganathar is joyous, it denotes a divine affirmative to the devotee's plea. In conclusion, the devotees at this temple have much pride in their temple as most sacred occasions have an active spiritual participation. Many devotees feel blessed as they are involved in the spiritual ceremonies, and not side-lined by religious orthodoxy. 

Address: Km 7, Jln Kajang Puchong, 43000 Kajang. Tel: 03 87680846/019-3052461